The Art of Conversation
A Guided Tour of a Neglected Pleasure

I read this book with three points of view in mind: the first being an intent to make social media better (as that is what I'm paid to do), the second being that I am a naturally introverted person who can always use a few pointers, and the third, as a writer looking for ways to improve my character......more

Two problems—one the author's, one mine: When you don't build a book of advice re the use of the tongue on the foundational principle of loving one's neighbor, even on some truncated secular version thereof, you're going to end up with shoddy architecture, indeed. There are some people who can read an......more

A book that has me pulled in two directions: on the one hand, I think it has some really good content, but on the other hand, it is an uphill read. Regarding the content, the book is first rate, as Blyth presents good guidance on navigating conversation. The "rules" in each chapter are made explicit......more

I spent a good deal of my life being quiet, and preferring not to speak unless I had something to say, so it caught my eye when I saw someone dedicate a book on conversation. Although, the author artfully depicts certain situations and characters that come up which set the tone for each conversation......more

At a time when there are so many books on conversation, it is good to find one that is slightly different. This book, rather than solely advising on etiquette, discusses types of conversation and types of conversationalists, examining a wide variety of these and offering us certain principles that mi......more